Welcome

Otter Creek Wind Farm is a wind power project located in the northwestern area of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, near the town of Wallaceburg.

The Project is being developed by Otter Creek Wind Farm Limited Partnership (Otter Creek), a partnership of Renewable Energy Systems Canada (RES Canada), Boralex Inc., and Walpole Island First Nation.

The Project

Project Notices

January 14th, 2019

Statement: As more energy will be needed in the future, renewables can provide a low cost and reliable solution for Ontarians

In September 2018, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) identified an energy capacity shortfall of 1,400 MW starting in 2023 – that deficit is large enough such that power to over 900,000 homes could be lacking during hot summer days.

We believe that renewable energy is the best option for ensuring that generation is affordable, reliable and clean, while attracting jobs and investment and helping local communities thrive. We also believe renewable energy can be put in place quickly to ensure stability and fight climate change.

July 16th, 2018

Boralex acknowledges the decision made by Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines Greg Rickford to wind down the LRP1 contract of the Otter Creek Wind Farm project (OCWF). Otter Creek Wind Farm is a 50-megawatt wind power project which has been selected by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) as part of the Government of Ontario’s plan to integrate more renewable energy into the province’s power grid.

“At Boralex, we’re committed to providing safe and reliable renewable energy. We are disappointed by the government’s decision to wind down the LRP1 contract of this project which is meant to create made-in-Ontario electricity and made-in-Ontario jobs,” said Patrick Lemaire, Boralex’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “At this point, Boralex will evaluate its options in regard to this project.”

The project, developed by Otter Creek Wind Farm Limited Partnership, is a partnership between RES Canada, Walpole Island First Nation and Boralex, and was expected to be built and commissioned by the end of 2019 in the northwestern area of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, near the town of Wallaceburg.

Boralex believes that wind power generation has provided safe and renewable energy to Canadians for over a decade in Ontario. We will continue to work constructively with our neighbours, communities and the government to power Ontario’s future together.

July 10th, 2018

Otter Creek Wind Farm turbine foundation changes

Boralex is committed to working closely with our neighbours and government to make the Otter Creek Wind Farm a reality. As a Canadian company, we know that success comes when we all work together towards the same goal: safe, reliable and affordable renewable energy.

In that spirit, we consulted with neighbours, community groups, and local government. Some people have voiced concern that if deep pile foundations were used for the turbines, they might affect local water wells. We unequivocally agree with the engineering and science completed on this issue that demonstrates that deep pile foundations do not negatively impact local water or the community.

We also believe that working together with the community is vital for any project. That is why, after careful deliberation and research, we have determined that a turbine foundation design not using piles is possible, and have elected to use this design for Otter Creek Wind Farm. We look forward to working constructively with the community to make this project a reality.

Many traditional sources of energy are more likely to experience price volatility, so the long-term cost certainty and stabilizing effect of electricity rates from wind farms provide important protection for consumers.

We are committed to respecting and protecting wildlife habitat and the environment, especially considering impacts to birds and bats, when building a wind farm.

We undertake studies and implement actions that will protect and reduce negative impacts on wildlife. To minimize and avoid risks to wildlife, where an project is built is an important decision. We identify areas likely or known to be used by bats and birds and consideration is given to potential habitat impacts when deciding where to place wind turbines.

The Walpole Island First Nation is a limited partner in the Otter Creek Wind Farm project with a 10.5% participation. Additionally, the Municipality, through a majority-owned affiliate company, will have the option to acquire a 15% equity interest. The project is estimated to generate $100,000 in property taxes annually and over $2 million over 20 years contract life of the Project.

The project creates jobs. Approximately 150 workers will be on-site during project construction (1 to 2 years), in addition to the ongoing use of local subcontractors.

The local economy is also stimulated by the purchase of goods and services and by increasing revenue for service businesses.

Infrasound is low frequency sound that is defined by the Natural Resources Canada as sounds at frequencies less than 20 Hz (hertz). Infrasound from natural sources (for example, ocean waves and wind) is naturally present in the outdoor environment and is below the audible threshold. The infrasound emitted from wind turbines is well below the audible threshold. According to current research, infrasound levels produced by wind turbines does not pose a threat to the health of local residents.

Scientific studies conducted by reputable engineering firms have established that construction and operation of wind turbines at the planned setback distances will not cause harm to ground water quality at the wells or in the broader subsurface groundwater environment.

The Otter Creek wind farm project believes in environmental stewardship. That includes clean groundwater. We take our planning and operational action in this regard very seriously and have every confidence well quality will not be impacted.

Scientific evidence concludes that wind turbines are not harmful to human health. In fact, wind energy provides electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or air pollutants, and uses no freshwater to generate electricity – creating a healthier environment for people and wildlife.

A recent study completed by Health Canada confirms: “the most rigorous studies available to date do not show a link between exposure to wind turbine noise and harm to human health.”

A community engagement was developed to outline and describe the activities of consulting and informing stakeholders that should occur during the LRP I RFP process. Having been awarded a contract, the community engagement plan continued to provide a high-level overview of the long-term consultation plan, supporting consultation activities that took place during the Renewable Energy Approval (REA) process mandated by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change.

The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) is the voice of Canada’s wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada’s leading source of credible information on wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits.

About

RES Canada is a Qualified Applicant in the IESO Large Renewable Procurement Process. As one of the top renewable energy, transmission, and energy storage companies in Canada, RES Canada provides services in development, engineering, construction, and operations. Since 1982, the RES Group of companies has constructed more than 145 utility-scale projects in 10 countries, including nearly 9,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy and energy storage projects.

Boralex develops, builds, and operates renewable energy power facilities in Canada, France, the United Kingdom and the United States. A leader in the Canadian market and France’s largest independent producer of onshore wind power, the Corporation is recognized for its solid experience in optimizing its asset base in four power generation types — wind, hydroelectric, thermal and solar. Boralex ensures sustained growth by leveraging the expertise and diversification developed over the past 25 years. Boralex’s shares and convertible debentures are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols BLX and BLX.DBA, respectively. More information is available at boralex.com or sedar.com.

Bkejwanong First Nation, also known as Walpole Island, is located near Wallaceburg, Ontario at the mouth of the St. Clair River. Bkejwanong is home to some of the most diverse wetlands, oak savannas, and tallgrass prairies of the Great Lakes region and encompasses six islands that have been occupied by the Ojibwe, Potawatomi and Ottawa peoples for thousands of years.

Contact

For any information or to ask questions about the project, please feel free to contact us at the following coordinates: